2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser: Review, Specs, Performance, and Comparison

BMW is well-known for its high-performance and high-tech motorcycles. The company makes one of the most prominent adventure bikes and roadsters. These fast-moving and highly agile BMW motorbikes are famous worldwide. However, this doesn’t attract the American motorcycle market.

To establish itself in the U.S. motorcycle market, BMW introduced its high-performance cruisers and touring bikes. In its current lineup, there was only the BMW R 18 series until the BMW R12 cruiser came in.

The BMW R 18 series is a powerful cruiser with a mighty 1,802 cc Boxer engine. It was introduced in 2020. The R 18 is a classic-looking bike that perfectly fits the American cruiser culture. The BMW R 18 is an ideal cruiser for experienced riders, considering its engine size.

However, the BMW cruiser lineup did not offer an option for intermediate riders. BMW decided to transform its R NineT platform into a cruiser, and this is how the BMW R 12 cruiser was born.

The BMW R12 cruiser was introduced in 2023 as a 2024 model. Though there are many classic touches on this bike, the 2024 BMW R 12 has the iconic BMW modern flair. The BMW R 12 cruiser may look small in front of the BMW R 18 but it does not compromise on the style and performance.

Continue reading this article to learn in detail about the 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser review. This article discusses in detail about the BMW R 12’s specs, style, performance, and much more.

If you are familiar with how the BMW R NineT Roadster looks and feels, the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser almost has the same design. However, it feels different and gives a different vibe. Being a cruiser, it is identical to the BMW R 18. The 2024 BMW R 12 can be referred to as a smaller version of the R 18.

It is an ideal cruiser for solo riding because it is fitted with a stock solo seat. The engine and machinery are all exposed, giving this bike a rough and tough look.

Most of the equipment installed on the 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser, including the gas tank, headlamp, fenders, and gauges, provides a classic look to this bike. The BMW classic gas tank emblem makes this bike more worthwhile.

Towards the front is a small sporty fender, and the rear is a stylish chopper piece, ensuring a full view of the rear tire.

The 2024 BMW R 12 features a classic round LED headlamp with a chrome bezel. It also features a small round-shaped instrument dial with an analog speedometer, a small digital screen, and other light indicators. The basic instrument cluster ensures a vintage vibe. The front-end look is further enhanced by the bar-end mounted side mirrors.

Like most BMW bikes, the 2024 R 12 cruiser's standout feature is the boxer engine. Being a boxer, it emerges from the bike from both sides, making it more prominent.

The 2024 BMW R 12 has a 19-inch front and a 16-inch rear aluminum cast five-spoke wheel. However, the rear tire is made quite wide and fat compared to the front tire to keep a balance.

The 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser also features a four-part frame concept with a front frame and a three-part rear frame, a load-bearing engine-gearbox unit, and a removable rear-seat frame for one-up riding. This allows for great customizability, and the rider can give this bike a personal look through customization.

You can buy optional equipment and accessories from the BMW catalog explicitly designed for this bike. You can also find aftermarket parts to redesign this bike to your liking.

The 2024 BMW R 12 is fully capable of comfortable two-up riding. However, you will need to install the optional passenger package, which includes the two-up seat. You can also install the stylish transparent windshield for comfortable highway cruising.

If you do’t like the old-school look of your analog gauge, you can install the optional digital screen on your 2024 BMW R 12.

The 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser is powered by the same 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled Horizontally-Opposed Boxer-Twin Engine. Despite the same engine displacement, the BMW R 12 produces less horsepower than the R nineT. The former generates a peak power output of 95 hp at 6,500 rpm.

Meanwhile, the BMW R NineT delivers a maximum horsepower of 109 hp at 7,000 rpm. The torque figures are almost similar for both motorbikes. The 2024 BMW R 12 produces a decent torque of 81 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.

Though the power figures of the 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser may not be super impressive, it performs exceptionally well. The power delivery is quite instant. You can feel the power delivered by the engine as soon as you twist the throttle.

The 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser comes with a decent tech package. This bike has Digital engine management system: BMS-O with throttle-by-wire and BMW Motorrad traction control system (TCS), allowing riders to choose between two different riding modes.

• The Rock Mode is a more sporty one, allowing for more exciting rides. It enables full power and aggressive throttle response. In this mode, you will observe the engine producing vibrations that are quite evident on the handlebars.
• Meanwhile, the Roll Mode is a bit calmer. It makes the bike run smoothly with moderate power and throttle response, perfect for city traveling.

The 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser features a stylish twin exhaust pipes. The short twin exhaust pipes are mounted on the left side of this bike. The chrome finish on the exhaust pipes makes them stand out from the rest of the equipment.

Above all, these exhaust pipes not only look cool, they make an addictive sound. The exhaust note is decently loud and throaty.

The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser ensures a comfortable and fun ride to its riders. It is simple to operate, suitable to be used by inexperienced riders as well. The bike is well-built and does not vibrate, ensuring better handling at both low and high speeds. Handlebars installed on this motorcycle are sensitive. You do not need to exert much force on the handlebars to turn the bike.

The 2024 BMW R 12 is not a sporty or aggressive bike. It turns corners like a cruiser motorcycle. You can feel the stability when you lean the bike into a turn. The bike feels planted as you corner. The bike is configured to provide confidence to riders as you ride around corners. However, the rider has to bear in mind that it is a cruiser. Therefore, it is better to take turns at a certain pace and avoid cornering at high speeds.

Another notable aspect of the 2024 BMW R 12 that makes it comfortable is its suspension. It assists to dampen shocks and bumps on the road to ensure a comfortable ride. The suspension makes this bike pleasant to ride on longer journeys. The riding posture this bike offers is also quite comfortable. It does not make you feel tiring as you cruise on this bike for longer periods.

Cornering clearance is the height or distance between the motorcycle’s belly and the ground, when it is tilted to a side while cornering. It is important because if you lean the bike too much, some of the motorcycle parts will touch the ground.

The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser is not intended for extreme cornering like a sports bike. It has enough ground clearance to corner a turn at normal speeds. It can be leaned without scraping the ground in corners. However, remember, it is a cruiser and these bikes do not have a greater lean angle.

If you attempt to lean the bike more into corners, you may scrap the footpegs or some other part of the bike. Note that the 2024 R 12 is a cruiser and thus should be ridden as smoothly as possible and with as much concentration on the ride as possible.

Despite being a cruiser, the 2024 BMW R 12 is fitted with mid-mounted foot controls as the legroom is restricted by the horizontally-opposed Boxer engine.

However, compared to the BMW R NineT, the foot controls are positioned closre to the engine’s cylinders as much as possible. The BMW R 12 cruiser still ensures a sporty vibe, but not as much sporty as the R NineT.

The handlebars installed on the 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser are slightly a bit taller than the R NineT roadster. It allows for a slightly higher and more comfortable arm position. A slightly taller handlebars also allow for a more upright back position.

Though the 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser is more comfortable than the R NineT, it still ensures a sporty vibe. It has a generic cruiser riding position. The seat is installed at a good distance from the handlebars, ensuring a slightly sportier stance. If you are an average-height rider, you may have to lean a bit forward.

Meanwhile, the legroom is adequate for riders to adjust their legs despite the bike having mid-mounted foot controls. Overall, the ride position is comfortable and good for cruising long miles.

The 2024 BMW R 12 has a slightly lower seat height compared to the BMW R NineT. Being a cruiser, the seat height is limited to 29.7 inches, making it more accessible for both vertically-challenged and taller riders. Overall, the 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser is more comfortable than the BMW R NineT.

The 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser is a good motorcycle to ride, however it comes with a decent price tag. The base model of the R 12 Cruiser comes at around $12,345. This is the minimum base MSRP of this bike. This price does not include options such as the attractive color options or additional features.

If you like to have options such as heated grips, windshield, digital display, cruiser control, or a more attractive color option, it will cost more. These extra things are the optional features. They can add to the fun or comfort of the bike but at the same time they add to the costs of the bike. 

Whether the R 12 Cruiser is worth the money depends on what rider wants in a motorcycle. The R 12 Cruiser is a comfortable, stylish bike which is very enjoyable to ride.

BMW is one of the reputed brand globally that manufactures excellent quality motorcycles. The R 12 Cruiser is manufactured with top quality parts and is expected to last longer. Nevertheless, the other brands may offer similar bikes for lesser amount than what is being offered by BMW.

It is crucial to compare the R 12 Cruiser with the other bikes in the same category. Take a look at what they have included and how it compares to the R 12 Cruiser. This will help you in making a decision on whether the R 12 Cruiser is the best value for your money or not.

The BMW R NineT is a modern take on an older styled motorcycle. It has a retro-style look with a little twist of the present day styling. This bike provides a slightly sportier riding position.

The foot controls are positioned slightly backward and the legroom is also limited to ensure a sportier stance. It is a versatile motorcycle that can be personalized as per the rider’s preferences.

The BMW R 12 Cruiser, on the other hand, is for comfort and relaxed riding. It has a lower seat height and centrally placed foot pegs, which place the rider in an almost upright stance. It is slightly more traditional with a classic cruiser touch, longer wheelbase, and sleeker look.

Both bikes employ BMW’s famous boxer engine but power output of the two is different. The R NineT has more powerf, making the bike fast. This bike can accelerate quicker compared to the BMW R 12 cruiser, making rides more fun. It is ideal for those riders who love to ride aggressively and lean into corners.

The R 12 Cruiser is considerably smoother and less sporty than its predecessor. It was not built for fast riding but for long and comfortable riding. It has an easy power delivery, which is suitable for new riders or those riders, who prefer not to ride at high speeds.

The R NineT is one of those motorcycles that feature very friendly handling abilities. It turns and handles beautifully. It is also quite maneuverable due to being lightweight. You will find this bike quite enjoyable to take around the twisty roads. But, it is slightly uncomfortable for long travels or on bumpy roads.

Meanwhile, the R 12 Cruiser is designed for a comfort-oriented riding posture. The suspension system installed on this bike is relatively softer. This makes it suitable for use on the highways or on long distances. It is not as nimble as the R NineT but it is more comfortable to ride and gives a better ride quality.

In terms of the style, power, and an exciting riding experience, the R Nine T is the best option. It provides a great handling, power, and an elegant design. But it is not as comfortable for extended touring or long-distance riding.

If you prefer comfort and leisure, it is better to have the 2024 BMW R 12 Cruiser. It gives a comfortable ride and relaxed posture. The R 12 is best suited for cruising and light touring.

In any case, the best thing to do is compare the two models by test riding both of them. It will also enable you to feel the differences and go for the one that suits you depending on your riding preferences.

The ‘R’ in BMW motorcycles is a model code that means the motorcycle is a roadster. A roadster is a style of motorcycle suitable for touring that focuses both on comfort and performance, and often has a high level of versatility. BMW R models have traditionally featured boxer engines. These bikes offer a perfect combination of power, handling, and design tailored specifically to a number of riding conditions.

The BMW motorcycles, such as the R 12, are produced in Germany. The company has been in production of motorcycles for many years and their factories are established in the country. This helps in keeping BMW motorcycles with the quality levels that are expected from German manufactured motorcycles.

The top speed of the 2024 BMW R12 cruiser is approximately 126 mph. Though the R12 can go at high speed, it is not designed to race. Always ride slowly and safely, and obey traffic rules. Do not exceed the speed limit in the area where you ride.

It important to note that motorcycles are meant to be ridden in a safe and sensible manner. The R 12 is designed for both performance and comfort.

Unlike other motorcycle brands, BMW motorcycles do not have a specific nickname. Some of the enthusiasts use terms such as “Beemer” or “Beamer” for BMW motorcycles but they are not official.

Different BMW models with their individual recognition may be called by their specific nicknames based on their specific characteristics or target market.

The 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser is different from the BMW’s iconic R 18. It is a lighter and smaller version of the R 18. You can compare the BMW R 12 Cruiser with the R NineT as the former is the modified version of the R NineT platform. The R 12 can be referred to as the cruiser version of the R NineT motorbike.

The 2024 BMR R 12 is a perfect motorcycle for exciting solo riding experience. It may be less powerful than the R NineT but it does not compromise on smoothness, ride quality, and linear performance. The R 12 rides exceptionally well and also sounds great.

The 2024 R 12 is a comfortable version of the R NineT. It offers a more upright stance with slightly taller handlebars and mid-mounted foot controls. Overall, the 2024 BMW R 12 cruiser is a good-looking motorcycle with great value for the money.